K-Drama Flashback: Five Classic Park Chan-wook Movies

“I cannot believe that violence depicted onscreen actually causes people to act out violently. That’s oversimplifying the issue. If somebody commits a violent act after seeing violence in a movie, I think the question that needs to be asked is: would that person still have committed the act if he had not seen a violent film?” – Park Chan-wook

Director Park Chan-wook’s predisposition for brutality and black humor has frequently produced polarizing effects, but his handling of the subjects and unique perspective on the same in each of his works add to who he is – one of the most celebrated present-day directors of South Korean and world cinema. His vision is unmatched, and it is unimaginable how he unifies multiple layers into a coherent narrative. As a true film enthusiast and lover of Korean films, I absolutely adore his work and regard him as a tour de force in the industry. The movies listed below are a few of his classic works and some of my unquestionable favorites.

Joint Security Area (2000) 

Based on Park Sang-yeon’s novel DMZ, this mystery-thriller stars Lee Young-ae, Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho. The film was shot on location in South Korea and centers on an investigation into the facts surrounding a deadly gunshot incident that occurred inside the tightly patrolled demilitarised zone (DMZ), which divides North and South Korea. The film reportedly surpassed the previous record for the highest-grossing Korean film at the time and turned into an unprecedented success. It is listed as one of director Quentin Tarantino’s 20 most-liked movies since 1992.

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) 

In this visually stunning thriller “where vengeance will get no sympathy,” there are a dying sister, a loving brother, a radical lover, an innocent victim, a frantic father, and a crime. In order to pay for his sick sister’s kidney transplant, Ryu (Shin Ha-kyun), a deaf-mute factory worker who’s been fired, needs money. Out of desperation, he and his sweetheart (Bae Doona) kidnap the daughter of businessman Park (Song Kang-ho). An odd circumstance causes Park to wreak havoc in a bid to exact revenge, which results in carnage and mayhem. The film is well-known for its aesthetic brilliance, but is not recommended for those who are easily intimidated by horror, violence or gore.

Old Boy (2003)

Old Boy is full of physiological shocks. Employing unpredictable plot twists, director Park creates a harrowing film that has solidified its reputation as one of the finest in Asian cinema history. The central character in this critically acclaimed, award-winning neo-noir action movie, played by Choi Min-sik, is Oh Dae-su, a man who spends 15 years in a cell that resembles a hotel room. Oh has no idea of who is holding him hostage or, for that matter, why. He discovers that despite being finally set free, he is still caught in a maze of brutality and deception. Paradoxically, his own wrath backfires on him when he falls for a beautiful chef named Mi Do (Kang Hye-jung).

Thirst (2009)

Thirst is a marvel thanks to Park’s smooth direction and visually engaging scenes that perfectly capture the subtleties of abject terror. A failed medical experiment turns Sang Hyun (Song Kang-ho), a Catholic priest, into a vampire. He then uncovers his growing lust for Tae Ju (Kim Ok-bin), the wife of his childhood buddy. The movie is simultaneously startling, erotic, and sadistic. If you haven’t seen it, don’t think of it as a typical vampire movie, because it isn’t.

The Handmaiden (2016)

In this erotic psychological suspense film, a con man (Ha Jung-woo) devises a plan to seduce and ensnare a Japanese woman (Kim Min-hee) for her wealth, with the assistance of a pilferer (Kim Tae-ri). The movie won in the Best Film Not in the English Language category at the 71st British Academy Film Awards. Despite strong criticism for multiple hyper-sexualized moments involving the two lead female characters, the film received a standing ovation at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.